Gecko Respiratory Illness

Breathing problems in geckos are almost always serious. A respiratory infection occurs when a pathogen inflames the lungs or airways, hindering the gecko’s ability to take in oxygen. Because reptiles have a slow metabolism, these infections can be slow to show symptoms but are often quite advanced before noticeable. Any sign of difficult or noisy breathing requires immediate, expert veterinary attention.

Respiratory infections are primarily caused by improper husbandry, specifically incorrect temperature and humidity.
The most common infections are bacterial in nature, thriving in compromised environments.
Symptoms are often subtle, including bubbles around the nose or a slight hiss when breathing.

Why Does My Gecko Develop Breathing Problems?

Infections of the respiratory tract are rarely a primary issue; they are almost always secondary to a compromised immune system and poor environment. The primary causes are: temperatures that are too low, which weakens the immune system and slows down digestion, humidity levels that are too high or too low (leading to irritation) and poor ventilation, which allows pathogens to build up. Common bacterial pathogens (like Pseudomonas or Aeromonas) take advantage of these poor conditions, leading to serious, often fatal, pneumonia.

Types of Gecko Respiratory Problems

Respiratory issues are classified by the area of the tract affected and the cause:

Primary Rhinitis/Sinusitis

Target: Upper airways (nostrils and sinuses).

Impact: Inflammation and congestion of the nasal passages, often presenting as mild discharge or mucus bubbles. Usually the early stage of a bacterial respiratory infection or a reaction to high dust/irritants.

Pneumonia

Target: Lungs.

Impact: A severe, lower-respiratory tract infection where the lungs fill with inflammatory fluid (pus). This is often the late stage of an untreated bacterial infection, leading to severe difficulty breathing and lethargy. This requires intensive care.

Aspiration Pneumonia

Target: Lungs.

Impact: Occurs when a gecko accidentally inhales liquid (e.g., during improper force-feeding or when bathing a sick gecko). This introduces pathogens directly into the lungs and causes severe, rapid onset of respiratory distress.

Symptoms of Gecko Respiratory Distress

Because geckos are masters of hiding illness, any of these signs must be taken as a serious emergency:

Open-Mouth Breathing

The gecko breathes with its mouth slightly ajar, especially after minor exertion, indicating they are struggling to get enough oxygen.

Audible Breathing

A slight wheezing, clicking, gurgling, or whistling sound with each breath, indicating fluid or inflammation in the airways.

Lack of Activity

Severe lethargy, refusal to climb, or spending excessive time in the cool end of the enclosure (avoiding heat due to fever).

Bubbles or Discharge

Visible mucus bubbles, clear discharge, or dried crusts around the nostrils (nares) or mouth.

Tail-Bobbing/Panting

In severe distress, the gecko may visibly pump its throat or neck, or lift its body with each labored breath.

Swollen Face/Puffiness

Swelling around the eyes or face, indicating the infection has spread from the nasal passages into the deeper sinuses.

Prevention & Gecko Care

Temperature Guarantee

Use multiple thermometers and a quality thermostat to ensure the Proper Optimal Temperature Zone (POTZ) is consistently met 24/7.

Ventilation and Hygiene

Ensure the enclosure has adequate ventilation to prevent stale, damp air, and maintain rigorous cleaning to reduce pathogen load.

Weight and Appetite

Closely track the gecko’s weight and appetite for several weeks to ensure full metabolic recovery.

Stress Reduction

Minimize handling and environmental stress, as a stressed gecko is immunosuppressed and highly susceptible to infection.

Long-Term Monitoring

Be vigilant for any return of subtle respiratory noises or open-mouth breathing, as relapses are common.

Gecko Respiratory FAQ

Incorrect temperature! If the temperature is too low, the gecko's immune system and metabolism can't fight off the environmental bacteria, leading to infection.

No. Over-the-counter products are ineffective and only delay the use of necessary prescription antibiotics. This is an emergency requiring veterinary input.

Reptiles do not get "colds." Any respiratory symptom is caused by a serious underlying pathogen and is treated as a severe infection until proven otherwise.

Often much longer than in mammals. Antibiotics may need to be given for 4–6 weeks to completely eliminate the pathogen from the deep respiratory tissues.

Yes. Chronic respiratory infection can lead to permanent damage and lifelong susceptibility to future illnesses. It can also indicate a severe underlying nutritional deficiency (like Vitamin A).